Bard Swap

If Shakespeare were alive today, we would not be watching "Wife Swap" or "The Battle of the Bods." (Of course, he'd be on strike too, so maybe we would anyway.) But we'd still need the occasional break from the Bard's collected seasons (out on DVD) of murderous kings, philosophical fat guys and beautiful damsels on the brink of insanity. We'd find our respite in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where everyone falls in love with the wrong person (or animal), but everything still turns out great in the end. Richmond Ballet engages in some 1500's romantic tomfoolery care of Puck (played by dancer Dan„e Carter, pictured, in her last season), Oberon and the gang, with choreography by William Soleau and the music of Mendelssohn care of the Richmond Symphony and others. Performances are Feb. 8-9 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Landmark Theater. Tickets are $18-$100. Call 262-8003 or visit www.richmondballet.com.